Let’s face it – U2 has been pretty much shit in terms of major release albums since the early 1990s. I think their main problem is that they take themselves too seriously these days. That aside, they actually caught my attention today when I heard on the news that they were getting shit from the Barcelona government for making too much noise and pissing off the neighbours while they rehearsed for the start of their world tour. [READ]

Big deal – rock band makes noise and pisses off locals. The real story here is that a band whose music is rapidly becoming too uncool for Apple TV commercials actually got some press coverage. This is a good thing! It’s going to build some buzz about what they’re doing and might actually drive up record sales. I’m still not going to buy their album because I’m a stubborn SOB. THEY’RE DEAD TO ME! DEAD! YOU HEAR? However, I wouldn’t change the station if the song came on the radio. I’m curious to hear if they’re rocking harder now.

I think there’s a lesson to be learned here from a marketing perspective – if you can’t do it right, do it loud. There’s a local jewellery chain here that has made shtick out of having the worst radio spokesperson in the business. This guy’s voice makes me want to drive my car into the first school bus or old lady I see. I pay attention though. I know more about this guys’ jewellery shop than I do any of his competitors.

I’m trying to think how to leverage the power of being loud in my own business. Suggestions?